|05| - The One He Couldn't ResistTarini felt it in her bones. There was something going on between Ruhaan and Mishti, she was sure of. But she didn't know what this something was. Something was different, there was a slight change in Ruhaan and Tarini was of opinion that this change was somehow related to Mishti.
She had seen it when she had shown Mishti's photographs to Ruhaan, and then the way he was looking at Fashion & City building; like a proud papa or something. But the moment they entered the office, Tarini could swear that there was a temperature rise in the air inspite of the office being air-conditioned.
While Ruhaan and Mishti were busy staring at each other, Tarini took her time to notice the way those two were behaving, after-all she was known for her characteristics assessment skills. She had this uncanny ability to judge a person's state of mind by looking at his/her actions and reactions.
Right now they were on their way to the conference hall. While Ruhaan and Mishti were walking side by side and in front, Tarini stayed a step behind them, assessing the two.
Everybody took seats around the table as the meeting began, "So to what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Oberoi?" the tone of Mishti's voice was calm, her expressions stoic.
Ruhaan smirked letting his heated gaze sweep over Mishti who was seated opposite to him, at the far end of the table, "It's your Junoon that brought me here." he replied.
Tarini ducked her head slightly and made a weird face, 'Is it true or just my imagination?! Why does it look like as if he is talking in double meaning?' she thought to herself as she looked at Mishti for a reaction.
"Excuse me?" Mishti looked at Ruhaan with raised brows.
Ruhaan leaned back on his chair and gestured Aman to explain the situation. "Ma'am, Saiyaara has designed outfits for director Rajdeep Kundra's new movie. These outfits will feature in Saiyaara's Junoon collection which will be featured in our magazine Kaya after showcasing them in a fashion show."
"What do you want from me?" Mishti asked interrupted Aman in the mid of his explanation.
"You." Ruhaan said as a matter of fact not caring about others reaction. He smirked when he noticed Mishti glaring at him. Even from distance, he could still see the slight flare of her nostril and that murderous glare that just made her a bit more irresistible. Ruhaan was enjoying every moment of it.
While Mishti glared at Ruhaan, Tarini on the other hand, couldn't help but wonder about this new change in Ruhaan. He seemed kinda playful. Tarini didn't want to hope but she could see a small hint of the old Ruhaan, the one who got lost 3 years ago.
"We want you to model for our magazine's photo shoot. I have seen your photographs from Fashion & City's Junoon photo shoot which I must say, has been a great success." Ruhaan joined his hands by his fingertips and continued, "We want someone who can portray the emotion that our designs represent and nobody else but you can portray it perfectly. So we want you to model for Saiyaara." Ruhaan explained.
"But what would I get from this? Just payment for the modelling job?" Mishti placed her elbows on the table, entwined her fingers and rested her chip atop, "I own Fashion & City, Mr. Oberoi. What made you think that I will agree to do a modeling job for you?"
"What are your conditions?" Ruhaan asked, now completely into business mode.
"Your designs, your outfits. If I am going to model them then I want to publish those pictures exclusively in Fashion & City. It's a 50-50 deal, Mr. Oberoi, a win-win situation for both of us. You will get publicity for your fashion house and I will get the same for my company. What do you think?" the one and only condition that Mishti had made Ruhaan a bit furious.
Enjoying his reaction, Mishti further made a comment, "This is only fair Mr. Oberoi. You want the owner of Fashion & City to model for your photo shoot and not just anybody."
Tarini gulped hard as she stared at the two strong personalities exchanging glares with each other. It was very bold of Mishti to place that condition considering that she owned just a magazine publication house while Ruhaan was the owner of the largest and richest business empire in the country.
Tarini was impressed with Mishti. She had heard about Mishti's success and now she knew why this woman has made it to the top without any kind of support. She had the guts to stand against those who held more power than her. Determination and confidence were Mishti's synonyms.
"I agree." said Ruhaan agreeing to Mishti's demand.
Tarini hadn't even finished being impressed with Mishti, when she heard Ruhaan's voice. He agreed?! Tarini looked at Ruhaan with wide eyes but he was busy staring at the woman in front of him. A particular Miss Mishti Khanna.
"Aman, send the details to the legal department and get the contract prepared within an hour. We have a deal to sign." Ruhaan instructed his personal secretary while his gaze remained fixed on Mishti.
Mishti smiled lightly, "While the contract is being prepared, shall we have some brunch in the meantime?" she asked.
****************The brunch went uneventful except for the glances that Ruhaan and Mishti kept stealing at each other. All this while Tarini kept observing them. There was indeed something between Ruhaan and Mahir that she was unaware of, something that made the Ruhaan that was lost 3 years ago to appear for a few moments.
It was 3 years ago that everything changed, that Ruhaan changed. Tarini knew all about it because of her being Priyanka's best friend and Abeer and Priyanka's distant cousin. Though she didn't share any blood relation with Ruhaan considering the fact that Abeer and Priyanka are Ruhaan's step-siblings but Ruhaan had always treated Tarini as his younger sister.
That year was the year of tragedies for the Oberoi family. First, they faced the death of Ruhaan's father, then Arzoo divorced Ruhaan and later that year Priyanka died in that accident. Ruhaan was devastated and so were the other family members. Ruhaan was there to support them but there was no one to support Ruhaan. The deaths in the family and then Arzoo divorcing him, all this took a big piece of Ruhaan's soul, it stole away his light.
It's been 3 years since then and today when Tarini saw those subtle changes in him, she was left surprised and filled with hope that maybe Ruhaan can once again go back to being his old self.
Coming out of her thoughts, Tarini noticed Mishti walking away. She frowned when she noticed that Ruhaan too excused himself and went away.
'Kuch toh gadbad hai!' Tarini thought to herself as she saw Ruhaan going in the same direction as Mishti's.
****************Mishti came out out the washroom and was drying her hands when she was pushed against the wall and a hand came to cover her mouth tightly preventing her from screaming. Her first thought was that it maybe her sperm donor who wanted to scare her again, which is why she had closed her eyes tightly.
"Relax." it was when she heard his voice and inhaled the fragrance of his cologne that she realized who this man was.
Mishti's eyes snapped open as she stared at Ruhaan with red and angry eyes, her nostrils flared and the urge to stab him just a little, for not only scaring her but also the way he has been behaving all day, made itself evident again.
"I'll remove my hand now." Ruhaan removed his hand from her mouth but he kept holding her against the wall.
"Yeh kya badtameezi hai?" Mishti snapped in anger but then instead of giving her an answer, Ruhaan stepped in close to her. His closeness made her falter.
Ruhaan gave into his urge. He had been waiting to be this close to her since that unforgettable night and now that he was standing close to her, Ruhaan couldn't help but rub his nose against hers.
Ruhaan's closeness, his touch was creating havoc inside Mishti, her heart started beating fast while her eyes closed in response to the sensory overload. Ruhaan looked at her serene and beautiful face, he could hear her heartbeats, it matched his own. He had been around her but couldn't get close enough to lick that gloss off her lips.
He caressed her lips with his thumb and Mishti could do nothing but surrender to her desires. She would be lying if she said that she didn't want him to touch her, to kiss her again. The attraction between them scared her. Wasn't she in love with someone else? Then why couldn't she push Ruhaan away from her?!
Ruhaan's hands went over her waist, giving it a squeeze. He buried his face in her hair inhaling her tempting scent as he placed light kisses along the length of her neck.
Mishti ran her hands over his chest finally resting them over his shoulders as she clutched the fabric of his jacket and moaned his name, "Ruhaan.."
Ruhaan pulled away just enough to have a look at her face. Her eyes were glazed with lust and her lips parted slightly as she breathed heavily. "Now that's what I like. My name from your mouth. Ruhaan."
"Ruhaan.." Mishti whispered his name again but couldn't say another word as Ruhaan placed his lips over hers in a soft yet consuming kiss. His heart soared as she responded with equal passion. Their lips moved in a rhythm of their own. They kissed gently, relishing the taste of each other as their tongues danced to the tones of their passion.
****************
Now this one is a long chapter! I hope that you enjoyed reading it. Please let me know about it through your comments. I love all of your comments, makes me happy <3
Precap - The Art Of Envy
Thank you.
Edited by dmegha - 6 years ago
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